Monster Zero x SciFi Japan - Archive Only

"Sea Monster" is one of my all-time favorite Godzilla movies. While the effects are rather shaky and Godzilla does act a little out-of-character at times (a problem that could have easily been taken care of with some last-minute script changes--I doubt it would have been that hard) and acts a little too Kongish, the film holds up fine. As a matter of fact, I find the human side of the story quite a bit more interesting than the monsters. It has one of the most entertaining plots of the series and the characters are excellently done. And you just gotta love Sato's score. It fits perfectly and is extremely catchy.

He mainly did that kung fu stuff in the '70s flicks, though. I don't think his behaviour was any less 'real' than in the earlier films. He was a mix of an animalistic monster and a bit playful at times.
I agree with you about the music. Sato's overall score is excellent and it is very creepy in places.(with some killer dance music!) Though I wouldn't consider any of Ifukube's themes as 'campy'. Many of them are far too ominous or grand for that, I think. Listen to any of his '50s stuff - Varan, Rodan, the original Godzilla - those have plenty of impressive and very ominous themes there.
As for Manabe's tunes, I wouldn't call them grand or anything, but I wouldn't call 'em campy either, mainly as I hate that word and I'm rather fond of the music. It suits the tone of the films perfectly - silly and lighthearted when it needs to be and sometimes pretty creepy as well. (listen to some of the music in 'Smog Monster' there's a good mix in that one too)

Bump! I just watched this last night (Sony DVD) 'cause I had a nagging desire to see it again.

Probably one of the most entertaining Godzilla movies, I think, and it's hard to see why it's considered the worst (I realize people didn't like it because it was so much unlike the prior, more epic and urban Godzilla films). This was one of my favs as a kid too. It's just a great, fun, high-seas adventure! Too bad they didn't throw in some pirates...

Since I watched the international version, there are some differences from my childhood memory version that make it even better. Some people may not like the surf rock music that plays when the jets attack Godzilla, but I think it's perfect. I love that part. The same kind of music was thrown in during part of the second Godzilla vs. Ebirah fight, and it worked so well! I really like the Infant Island dance numbers, too. Otherwise, I agree with all the above sentiments, especially on the characters, who are memorable and endearing.

Reflecting my current infatuation with the movie is my new desktop wallpaper:



(Godzilla contemplates my Winamp playlist...)